The Riddle of the World

A Reconsideration of Schopenhauer's Philosophy

Barbara Hannan

Accessibly written

Defends a controversial thesis against Kantian ethics

The Riddle of the World

A Reconsideration of Schopenhauer's Philosophy

Barbara Hannan

Description

This book is an introduction to the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer, written in a lively, personal style. Hannan emphasizes the peculiar inconsistencies and tensions in Schopenhauer's thought--he was torn between idealism and realism, and between denial and affirmation of the individual will. In addition to providing a useful summary of Schopenhauer's main ideas, Hannan connects Schopenhauer's thought with ongoing debates in philosophy. According to Hannan, Schopenhauer was struggling half-consciously to break altogether with Kant and transcendental idealism; the anti-Kantian features of Schopenhauer's thought possess the most lasting value. Hannan defends panpsychist metaphysics of will, comparing it with contemporary views according to which causal power is metaphysically basic. Hannan also defends Schopenhauer's ethics of compassion against Kant's ethics of pure reason, and offers friendly amendments to Schopenhauer's theories of art, music, and "salvation." She also illuminates the deep connection between Schopenhauer and the early Wittgenstein, as well as Schopenhauer's influence on existentialism and psychoanalytic thought.

The Riddle of the World

A Reconsideration of Schopenhauer's Philosophy

Barbara Hannan

Table of Contents

AcknowledgmentsPrefaceChapter One: A Sketch of Schopenhauer's Central Ideas: A Neglected Genius The Fourfold RootTranscendental Idealism and the Metaphysics of WillFreedom, Determinism and the Will\The Basis of Ethics: Reason versus CompassionChapter Two: Three Major Themes of Schopenhauer's Philosophy: Transcendental Idealism, Panpsychism, and Determinism Kant's EpistemologySchopenhauer's Version of Idealism, and his Evaluation of KantWhy I Am Not an IdealistA SuggestionSchopenhauer's Panpsychism and its Philosophical AncestryObjections to Panpsychism ConsideredCausal Power as Metaphysically BasicDeterminism and ResponsibilityQuantum MechanicsChapter Three: Schopenhauer'sAnti-Kantian Account of Morality: Kantian Ethics: Its Appeal and Its Puzzling Aspects Schopenhauer Reads Kant's EthicsCompassion as the Basis of EthicsEvaluative RemarksWittgenstein's Ethical View and Its Schopenhauerian RootsChapter Four: Schopenhauer's Aesthetics: The Meaning of Art and Music: Schopenhauer's Aesthetic Theory in General Schopenhauer's Theory of Music in ParticularThe Character of GeniusSummary of My SuggestionsChapter Five: Pessimism, Depression, and Salvation: Pessimism as a Philosophical Orientation Optimism and Pessimism as Personality TraitsThe Danger of the Attribution FallacyDepression and the Psychological Roots of PessimismSalvation as Recovery from DepressionSchopenhauer on the "Acquired Character"Salvation as Denial of the WillNow That My Ladder's Gone

The Riddle of the World

A Reconsideration of Schopenhauer's Philosophy

Barbara Hannan

Author Information

Barbara Hannan is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Mexico. She holds degrees in both philosophy and law.